Which lab grown sapphire to pick?

[Watapon]

Hi Everyone, I am picking a labgrown sapphire for my wedding band. Hope you could give some comments on both stones and vote which stone looks better!
Link to Sapphire

 

[dk168]

Based on what I can see from the video alone, I prefer the second stone as the colour is lighter, more vivid and lively to my untrained eyes.

DK

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Do you know that synthetic sapphire (and Ruby) were first made in 1880's and I can buy really nice stuff in parcels of 100 for a couple of hundred dollars?
And please make sure you do not buy a diffusion coated stone as the color layer can wear off in everyday wear.

 

[Watapon]

Do you know that synthetic sapphire (and Ruby) were first made in 1880's and I can buy really nice stuff in parcels of 100 for a couple of hundred dollars?
And please make sure you do not buy a diffusion coated stone as the color layer can wear off in everyday wear.

Hi Garry thanks for the tip, is there any tell tale signs to identify a diffusion coated stone? (i.e. Any telltale signs in the video?) Unfortunately the physical stocks are not in my jeweller's hands so I am unable to inspect it physically.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Hi Garry thanks for the tip, is there any tell tale signs to identify a diffusion coated stone? (i.e. Any telltale signs in the video?) Unfortunately the physical stocks are not in my jeweller's hands so I am unable to inspect it physically.

My point is why buy a fake that is essentially worthless and has no magic in the technology and then spend a lot of money making it into a jewel?

 

[seaurchin]

...

My point is why buy a fake that is essentially worthless and has no magic in the technology and then spend a lot of money making it into a jewel?

I know you weren't talking to me but good question and I see your point.

To me, it depends on what equivalent lab vs. mined sapphires cost and how that fits into my budget. If the price difference is manageable to me, I'd get the mined sapphire.

But personally, I like big, pretty, durable stones and a good looking 5-7 carat mined sapphire is way more than I want to spend on one piece. And I think I'd still come out ahead on resale for, say, a $2,500 custom made lab sapphire ring vs. a $25,000 custom made mined sapphire ring, if it came to that.

Jewelry that's not custom made and has a lab sapphire or other lab stone is usually just not nearly as nice. For ex., not a precision cut stone and limited setting choices too.

Idk about the OP for for me, most often my sweet spot is somewhere between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry, lab stones (especially sapphires and diamonds) with real gold. But if the cost of an equivalent mined and lab stone was not hugely far apart for me, then I'd pick the mined stone.

 

[seaurchin]

Hi Garry thanks for the tip, is there any tell tale signs to identify a diffusion coated stone? (i.e. Any telltale signs in the video?) Unfortunately the physical stocks are not in my jeweller's hands so I am unable to inspect it physically.

I don't know anything about diffusion coating but if this helps, the best way I know of to get a good stone is to deal with a vendor who has a good reputation. There are a few often mentioned on here: Finewater, Precision Gems, Stag & Finch, Jeff White. I have bought from the first two there and been very pleased. They will cut a lab stone to your spefications too if you want. Which is not to say no one else is reputable though.

 

[rosethorn]

I’m not a huge fan of either stone as they’re a bit too dark for me, and likely to look even darker once set. I know some people really like deep dark blue sapphires, though, so maybe that’s what you’re looking for? If that’s the case, I like the second option in the video.

if you want something with a bit of a lighter tone, both stag and finch and precision gem will cut you a custom lab stone and have several blue tones to choose from.

As to the other comments, OP asked our opinion on which sapphire we like better, not anyone’s opinion on whether they should get a lab stone or not or which we think has more “magic” (whatever that means.)

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Welcome to PS, @Watapon
There's no shame in an awesome lab gem, I for one and totally down for them! I don't have endless funds but still love the most saturated colors...what to do? Go without? No way! Go lab!
Both are a little too dark with too much extinction, if you want the end result as medium royal. I also follow an Instagram page called JellyLabGemJewelry that has the goods made affordable! There are lots of options to get a really great stone. They make jewelry too.

Login • Instagram

Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.

www.instagram.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/COahAVfB4kF/

 

[kgizo]

As to the other comments, OP asked our opinion on which sapphire we like better, not anyone’s opinion on whether they should get a lab stone or not or which we think has more “magic” (whatever that means.)

 

[rosethorn]

Welcome to PS, @Watapon
There's no shame in an awesome lab gem, I for one and totally down for them! I don't have endless funds but still love the most saturated colors...what to do? Go without? No way! Go lab!
Both are a little too dark with too much extinction, if you want the end result as medium royal. I also follow an Instagram page called JellyLabGemJewelry that has the goods made affordable! There are lots of options to get a really great stone. They make jewelry too.

Login • Instagram

Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.

www.instagram.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/COahAVfB4kF/

I can’t believe I forgot about jellylab! Extremely reasonable prices and I’ve been happy with the simple ring I got from them. Great suggestion.

 

[seaurchin]

@Watapon -The only thing about Jelly Lab to me is some of their stones don't look precision cut and have windows etc. You might be happy with them but I'd be sure to look closely if you go with them.

Also, welcome to the forum!

 

[Double E]

Agreed the second looks a bit lighter and livelier.
I believe you are only considering blue as you only bring out these two for opinions right? If so did you have any experience with blue sapphire, especially saturated ones like what is shown in the video before?

There was nice opinion in the thread that they may go darker once set, which you may want to take into account. And it also looks like the video was made under sort of spot light, though I am not sure. That may not be enough for you to judge the stone colour accurately.

And if you have made up your mind for lab stone, browsing the inventory of those suggested vendor is really an extremely easy way to better understand what else you can get within your desired range of stone qualities, including but not limited to colour, tone, price, cut style, and even one stop shopping or not ( as some of the vendors mentioned can also make you a ring). I think it can be really transparent and straight to buy lab gem from them.

 

[JulieN]

My point is why buy a fake that is essentially worthless and has no magic in the technology and then spend a lot of money making it into a jewel?

@Garry H (Cut Nut) I assume flame fusion sapphire has a lower carbon footprint than lab grown diamond?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

@Garry H (Cut Nut) I assume flame fusion sapphire has a lower carbon footprint than lab grown diamond?

Absolutely, not to mention less energy used in cutting and polishing.
But glass, aka Swarovski, has an even greater global worming saving than diamond to cheap Lab Grown Sapphire.

 

[StagandFinch]

I think they're both nice sapphires, and you'll be equally happy with either of them so you're just picking your favorite color.

My point is why buy a fake that is essentially worthless and has no magic in the technology and then spend a lot of money making it into a jewel?

I'm sorry if I'm overstepping here and maybe I'm biased, but I don't understand your perspective on created sapphires. If someone built a philosopher's stone through some magical technology and was able to produce lab created gold, would "real" mined gold still be worth 10x or 20x the value of this "fake" gold even if they're chemically indistinguishable?

Lab created sapphires are real sapphires. The fact that we have amazing tech that can produce the raw material much cheaper than it is to physically pull the same thing from the Earth doesn't make them "fake" in my opinion.

Don't get me wrong, I've had my breath taken away by a beautiful natural sapphire the same as everyone else here, but I also think lab and natural sapphires both have their place. Personally I prefer sapphires with at least some inclusions or other visual characteristics because the more flawless a sapphire becomes, the more it can look like a lab created sapphrie in my eyes. Which often means the more expensive the sapphire, the more it looks like a lab sapphire. So where's the problem in buying something that's chemically identical, visually identical (or better from a precision lapidary) for about 20x less money.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Lab created sapphires are real sapphires. The fact that we have amazing tech that can produce the raw material much cheaper than it is to physically pull the same thing from the Earth doesn't make them "fake" in my opinion.
So where's the problem in buying something that's chemically identical, visually identical (or better from a precision lapidary) for about 20x less money.

No problem buying a synthetic gem or diamond.
However there is very little magic technology in growing synthetic sapphires.
The vast majority are just a simple 120 year old melting process, not much different to manufacturing glass. Nothing like the complex science and huge energy required to make synthetic diamond.

 

[CaseySF]

If you are buying a lab created sapphire then I think it's all about the cut. You could even find someone to custom cut it.

 

[theredspinel]

I think they're both nice sapphires, and you'll be equally happy with either of them so you're just picking your favorite color.



I'm sorry if I'm overstepping here and maybe I'm biased, but I don't understand your perspective on created sapphires. If someone built a philosopher's stone through some magical technology and was able to produce lab created gold, would "real" mined gold still be worth 10x or 20x the value of this "fake" gold even if they're chemically indistinguishable?

Lab created sapphires are real sapphires. The fact that we have amazing tech that can produce the raw material much cheaper than it is to physically pull the same thing from the Earth doesn't make them "fake" in my opinion.

Don't get me wrong, I've had my breath taken away by a beautiful natural sapphire the same as everyone else here, but I also think lab and natural sapphires both have their place. Personally I prefer sapphires with at least some inclusions or other visual characteristics because the more flawless a sapphire becomes, the more it can look like a lab created sapphrie in my eyes. Which often means the more expensive the sapphire, the more it looks like a lab sapphire. So where's the problem in buying something that's chemically identical, visually identical (or better from a precision lapidary) for about 20x less money.

I don’t think lab created anything is or ever will be valued the same as earth minded. It’s like calling a kindle and a book the same thing. Or like calling famous art the same thing as my exact identical squiggle. Or like valuing tracing over, or taking a picture of art, the same as the original.

It just won’t happen.

 

[lovedogs]

I don’t think lab created anything is or ever will be valued the same as earth minded. It’s like calling a kindle and a book the same thing. Or like calling famous art the same thing as my exact identical squiggle. Or like valuing tracing over, or taking a picture of art, the same as the original.

It just won’t happen.

Right, but no one is arguing to pay the same $$ for lab and auth. They're just saying that the "magic" argument isnt meaningful and not everyone feels that way

 

[theredspinel]

Right, but no one is arguing to pay the same $$ for lab and auth. They're just saying that the "magic" argument isnt meaningful and not everyone feels that way

I would say something being a billion years old vs a couple weeks (lab grown) constitutes “magic” / meaningful etc to many.

 

[JackTrick]

I would say something being a billion years old vs a couple weeks (lab grown) constitutes “magic” / meaningful etc to many.

At the same time though, some people find the « magic » offered by lab stuff to be superior to natural. Whether it’s a love of man-made science or more assuredness of « conflict free » acquisition.

Magic and meaning are subjective as all heck. And that’s fine and good I’m not about to yuck anyone’s yum.

 

[theredspinel]

At the same time though, some people find the « magic » offered by lab stuff to be superior to natural. Whether it’s a love of man-made science or more assuredness of « conflict free » acquisition.

Magic and meaning are subjective as all heck. And that’s fine and good I’m not about to yuck anyone’s yum.

Absolutely. People are individual and we all like different things - I just hate it when an opinion can’t be expressed without people taking offence.

Some people appreciate the “magic” of nature more, some people don’t care about it at all (I think most people fall into this category) and some as you say see a magic in humanities capabilities (of which I am included). All three (and more) can be stated as personal opinion without the other “camp” feeling attacked which I’m not saying necessarily happened here - but it tends to happen!

I love, value and appreciate earth mined gemstones and see absolutely no value in man made ‘gemstones’. That’s it, there’s nothing more or less to that sentiment, it doesn’t disqualify anyone else’s preferences.

I always think if an opposing view to you threatens you a little bit or makes you feel uncomfortable to read… you don’t actually believe in your own personal view as strongly as you could do!

 

[StagandFinch]

I just suck at getting my point across sometimes. I never intended to say that lab-created gems and naturally mined gems need to be priced or valued the same and I don't think anyone actually feels that way.

The point I failed to make was simply that synthetics aren't fakes and it's not right to call them that. It is fair to call a simulant like CZ a fake diamond, but a synthetic lab diamond isn't a fake diamond and it's disingenuous to refer to it that way. Not liking lab gemstones doesn't make them fake.

Go ahead and have a preference for natural stones. Most of us get started in this industry because of our love and appreciation for natural stones, and I love them just as well. But I can also see the value in synthetic gems for a bunch of reasons. Such as the confidence for sourcing them both humanely and environmentally responsibly, representing the ingenuity of science, and can be made undeniably beautiful at a reasonable price. Different people value different things, and that's ok.

 

[theredspinel]

I just suck at getting my point across sometimes. I never intended to say that lab-created gems and naturally mined gems need to be priced or valued the same and I don't think anyone actually feels that way.

The point I failed to make was simply that synthetics aren't fakes and it's not right to call them that. It is fair to call a simulant like CZ a fake diamond, but a synthetic lab diamond isn't a fake diamond and it's disingenuous to refer to it that way. Not liking lab gemstones doesn't make them fake.

Go ahead and have a preference for natural stones. Most of us get started in this industry because of our love and appreciation for natural stones, and I love them just as well. But I can also see the value in synthetic gems for a bunch of reasons. Such as the confidence for sourcing them both humanely and environmentally responsibly, representing the ingenuity of science, and can be made undeniably beautiful at a reasonable price. Different people value different things, and that's ok.

Just a note; when I refer to ‘value’ I don’t mean monetary value. I’m probably referring more to the emotional value.

Yes lab created Diamonds are definitely not “fake” they’re chemically diamonds. Interesting to note though (and I know it’s said a lot) that they’re identical to earth mined diamonds - but they’re not. Earth minded diamonds contain trace amounts of nitrogen which lab created do not. Trace amount or not it’s just one signifier (so there are more) that gemologists can use to tell the two apart.

If and when the day comes that they’re literally impossible to tell apart, I might personally have more ‘respect’ for lab created.

 

[StagandFinch]

Earth minded diamonds contain trace amounts of nitrogen which lab created do not. Trace amount or not it’s just one signifier (so there are more) that gemologists can use to tell the two apart.

I take your point about the differences in trace elements and it's a good one, but I think you might be in a tiny minority for this. Most consumers will not be too concerned about the trace elements in their gems and it's a small distinction for me as well, but I understand your perspective a bit better now. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

 

[theredspinel]

I take your point about the differences in trace elements and it's a good one, but I think you might be in a tiny minority for this. Most consumers will not be too concerned about the trace elements in their gems and it's a small distinction for me as well, but I understand your perspective a bit better now. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

No problem! I’m probably in the minority for most of my opinions I have a background in science and a deep interest in geology so.. haha. That all puts my perspective into perspective I’m sure. Lovely talking to you!